Mature student developed own patent at DkIT

A large number of construction accidents involve falling from heights. Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) mature student, Mark Travers, who graduated with a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 1996 from DkIT, worked for many years in the construction industry. A large portion of his work involved the use of scaffold systems. He came to recognise shortcomings with the available systems and set about designing a new system which offered greater efficiency of use and at the same time provide greater safety for operators.

In 2015, Mark enrolled on the BSc in Engineering Entrepreneurship programme to develop his idea for a new scaffold system. He developed and tested a number of full-scale prototypes and addressed the commercial potential of his system in terms of the marketing, business and financial aspects. He followed this with an application for a patent of his design.

In June 2016 he completed his degree, was the recipient of the President’s Prize for Enterprising Student of the Year at DkIT. He continued his studies and graduated with first class honours from the Masters in Entrepreneurship and Business programme and is currently Design Manager for Pro Stainless Designs.